DECISION MAKER: SIR ELGAR JENKINS OBE, EXECUTIVE MEMBER TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

DECISION DATE: On or after 2nd October 2004

TITLE: Policy for `Keep Clear’ Markings for Private Accesses

WARD: All

EXECUTIVE FORWARD PLAN REF: E665

1          THE ISSUE

1.1    This report seeks authorisation to introduce a new policy in relation to Keep Clear markings for private accesses.

2          RECOMMENDATION

The Executive member is asked to agree that:

2.1    The revised policy (see Appendix 1) be approved and adopted.

3          FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1    Adopting the proposed policy will allow significant savings in costs associated with maintaining and refurbishing existing Keep Clear markings.  There will also be savings in staff time currently required to investigate new requests and process implementation.  The proposed increase in cost to the applicant will cover staff time.

4          the report

4.1    Previously this Authority has agreed to lay Keep Clear carriageway markings across any private access on an at-cost rechargeable basis.  Such a policy, however, is now considered unsustainable for the following reasons:

1.         The large number of requests is resulting in a proliferation of unsightly white markings which are particularly detrimental in conservation areas (where they are opposed by Planning Officers).

2.         The increasing number of existing keep clear markings are having an increasing impact on the carriageway markings maintenance schedule.  This work is carried out at the Council’s cost, not the original applicants.

3.         The resources available for provision of new carriageway marking are limited.  Continued provision of increasing numbers of markings for private access reduces the resource available for providing carriageway markings in response to general safety or congestion issues.

4.         Keep clear markings have an advisory status only and cannot be enforced by the Police.  In some cases keep clears have been requested by residents in dispute with their neighbours resulting in offers being drawn into the dispute or being asked to act as arbiters in the dispute.  Besides being very time consuming, these activities cannot be considered appropriate for the officers involved.

4.2  It is therefore proposed to amend the policy to simplify application and refurbishment of keep clear markings, and to remove the ambiguities inherent in such markings which lead to disputes.  It is also proposed to raise the cost of implementing keep clear markings to include officer time..

5          RISK MANAGEMENT

The report author and Executive member(s) have fully reviewed the risk assessment related to the issue and recommendations, in compliance with the Council's decision making risk management guidance.

6          RATIONALE

6.1    Provision of private keep clear markings is putting an increasing burden on officer time, and also making significant demands on the limited resource of the white-lining contractors, making it difficult for them to implement the programme of safety-based white lining.

7          OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED

7.1    Consideration was given to refusing all applications for keep clear markings to private accesses, however this is not deemed appropriate at the present time..

8          CONSULTATION

8.1    Consultation has been carried out with the Highways Maintenance Team within the Transportation and Highways Service, the Planning Project Team within Planning Services, and the Police.

Appendix 1

Policy for Keep Clear Markings at Private Accesses – October 2004

(i)         Keep Clear markings for single or dual accesses will consist of a single white line equal in length, and corresponding with, the actual vehicle opening for which it is intended.  No written legend will be permitted.

(ii)        Keep Clear markings for single or dual accesses will only be permitted immediately adjacent to the vehicle opening for which it is intended.  Markings opposite the entrance will not be permitted.

(iii)       Where two properties share a common access, or where two accesses form a single continuous access, a single white line across both accesses only will be permitted.  Written permission will be required from both properties before the marking can be authorised.  Cost of covering both accesses will be the same as for a single access.

(iv)       Cost of Keep Clear markings will be £100 per access (including a dual access – see (iii) above).

(v)        Where existing Keep Clear markings for private accesses are refurbished, a white line corresponding to the existing marking will be retained, but the written legend will be omitted.

(vi)       The legend `Keep Clear’ may be considered in the following cases:

(a)       where a single entrance serves multiple properties (does not include adjacent driveways).

(b)       to provide access to a commercial premises

(c)        to keep parked vehicles clear of a pedestrian drop kerb

(d)       at a private access where the applicant is a disabled badge holder

(e)       for road safety reasons, pending the installation of waiting restrictions.